Threats to civic space - the environment in which civil society can come together, express opinions and take action - have expanded over the past years: they are becoming increasingly refined and pervasive. In response, more innovative and proactive policies are needed. These could involve monitoring, education, making political leaders aware of the issues, promoting positive narratives, building coalitions and harnessing digital opportunities. Funding for civil-society organisations is also important, but it cannot completely reverse the negative trends if the structural conditions for civic-space development are not favourable.
These are among the key points of note of the two-day international conference Shaping democratic renewal: civic space and the path to a New Democratic Pact for Europe organised by the Council of Europe that has just concluded in Strasbourg. Over two days, key players from civil society, European states and international organisations exchanged best practices and formulated proposals on how to strengthen and protect civic space.
Importance of monitoring
Collecting data on the state of civic space and related actions of public authorities is key, and access to public information is a precondition for civil society development. Only reliable evidence and rigorous monitoring can lead to the formulation of appropriate responses. However, monitoring without a possibility of intervention is not helpful.
Responses from participants included noting that "We need a continuous action on problematic situations, not just expressions of concerns or opinions, " and that "Early warning mechanisms are useful only if there are early intervention mechanisms".
Explaining civil society to the outside world
The conference participants stressed the importance of civil and digital education for explaining the role of civil society in a democracy to the public. Narratives to counter stigmatisation and smear campaigns against civil society, sensibilisation of political leaders and training on its role and applicable standards for legal professionals, judges, politicians - all this is vital to foster understanding of civil society as a key pillar of democracy.
Some attendees advocated more determined action, stating that "Peaceful protests are a sign of a functioning democracy. What we consider today as basic achievements- such as the women's right to vote - has been fought for through protests and acts of civil disobedience in many countries."
Harnessing digital opportunities
Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) can multiply civic participation, and the more participants engage in deliberative processes, the more trust is generated. Online-consultation platforms are emerging, but they must be accessible, enable diverse participation, and be accompanied by targeted communication to attract and engage users.
Being united and active: key for fitting civic space into democratic ecosystem
Civil society is stronger when its players are acting as a coalition. However, coalitions and connections should not be built solely amongst civil-society organisations, but also bring in other partners - even unusual ones - such as development banks, chambers of commerce and trade unions. Mobilisation of all relevant actors and collaborative efforts can yield more effective results and create an enabling environment for civil society. This also holds true for international organisations working to protect civic space.
Besides, civic space should be seen as an integral part of a broader democratic ecosystem; empowering judges, lawyers, and democratic institutions at all levels - including at the local level to build resilience, and in the digital sphere - is crucial.
The New Democratic Pact for Europe and its role in advancing civic space
The insights gathered at the conference will contribute to advancing the New Democratic Pact for Europe - a collective effort to respond to the pressures weakening European democracies, which was set in motion just over a year ago. The consultation phrase for the pact is entering its height. The conference participants have confirmed that the Pact a valuable initiative to "connect the dots". To address democratic backsliding, unique expertise of different players - civil society, national human-rights institutions, ombudspersons, public prosecutors, media, academia - should be leveraged, to bring in workable solutions. As the conference noted, "The New Democratic Pact for Europe should be an opportunity to ensure the Council of Europe can deliver and gain an increased role in support of civic space".
The Council of Europe and civil society
New Democratic Pact for Europe
Secretary General Alain Berset opening the conference
